We Media: How audiences are shaping the future of news and information

This is the original report we published in 2004 (back when we called ourselves The Media Center). This seminal research report accurately forecast the rise of citizen journalism and sweeping changes that would soon rock thew industry – and the world.

We are at the beginning of a Golden Age of journalism — but it is not journalism as we have known it. Media futurists have predicted that by 2021, “citizens will produce 50 percent of the news peer-to-peer.” However, mainstream news media have yet to meaningfully adopt or experiment with these new forms.

Historically, journalists have been charged with informing the democracy. But their future will depend not on only how well they inform but how well they encourage and enable conversations with citizens. That is the challenge.

This report details the important considerations when exploring a collaborative effort between audience and traditional media organizations.

The report remains a relevant historic reference point for the changes that continue to drive the We Media agenda and projects.